Lead researcher Professor Santa Jeremy Ono said current treatments for severe eye allergy were either ineffective, or have side effects, such as glaucoma and cataract formation.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Eyelid protein is key to allergy

If you don't wear glasses or contacts, have no symptoms of eye trouble, and are at a low risk of developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma, it's recommended that you have an eye exam at the following intervals.

CNN: Nearsightedness

If you're at high risk of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, get an eye exam every two to four years up to age 40, then every one to three years between 40 and 54, and finally every one to two years at age 55 and older.

CNN: Nearsightedness

She said regular eye tests were important, not only for correcting vision problems, but also because they can spot early indicators of other health problems, such as diabetes, glaucoma and cataracts.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Many drivers 'have poor eyesight'